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28 Sep 2014

SCOUT

Seoul, South Korea

Located
in a small road off the main streets of Itaewon (the Seoul equivalent of Shoreditch) is Scout, which is a contemporary rendition of an American gastro pub. Run
and operated by two American expats, Scout caters to those longing for a dose
of westernisation amongst the sea of Korean BBQ restaurants. The restaurant is
fairly small in size, and can easily go by unnoticed, which is a shame since
both the food and drinks are exquisite. Scout has a very Brooklyn / Shoreditch
bohemian vibe, with its raw concrete floors and walls and timber tables and
chairs that add to its charm and coziness. What makes Scout extra special
though, is that it’s directly attached to a clothing shop which stocks
designers from New York and upcoming talents in the region; it truly is a
unique place. I was introduced to Scout by a very good friend of mine, who
lives in Seoul, and during the course of my two-week stay, I got hooked, and went there four or
five times. Scout takes pride in making the best burgers in town, and having had
an incredible experience last summer at Brooklyn The Burger Joint, I was keen
to put it to the test. On the night of the burger trial, I was exceptionally
hungry so ordered the beef burger and the chicken sandwich, which was basically
a fried chicken burger. The beef burger definitely impressed me; its size was
perfect and came served with Roquefort cheese that I absolutely love. The
quality of the meat was superior to the meat served at Brooklyn The Burger
Joint, even though the latter had a wider variety of burgers on the menu. The
fried chicken burger was also a slam-dunk, and in a land where fried chicken is
a delicacy, it wasn’t surprising that it would be delectable. To help the food
go down smoothly, I ordered what became one of my favourite drinks of all time:
The Cardamom Mojito, which is the most refreshing beverage I have had, with its
infusion of fresh basil, gin, and cardamom; just amazing. Scout has an undeniable
charm and charisma that will just keep drawing me back through its doors. Even if
its just for a quick nightcap, I will travel across town to get a mojito freshly made by their incredibly friendly bartender Mia and served by
the amazing Sally, who made me a true Scouts-man.